New Friendship Centre incorporates "total" approach

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From all appearances, it looks as if the second attempt in 13 years to open a friendship centre in Wetaskiwin will prove to be successful.

Twelve years ago, the original centre was forced to shut its doors due to lack of funds. It had only operated for 11 months. Today, the city has another centre and an open house was held August 14 welcoming visitors from throughout the province and from neighboring provinces.

The staff of the White Buffalo Cultural Friendship centre want people to know they are open for business, that they are here to offer information and to assist Natives and others through social programs, job training, general education, cultural programs, AA meetings and friendship.

"We're trying to meet some of the needs of the community," states the director, Charles Cuthbert. He says the entire centre is very concerned with improving attitudes of whites towards Natives and vice-versa. Along with his wife Muriel, Cuthbert hopes to improve racial relations. Through the centre, they hope to foster goodwill in the community "to get them (all people) to work and share together."

One means of accomplishing this is to sponsor a variety of activities. For example, Cuthbert says, one worker will spend on day a week with the school guidance counsellor to create awareness and to be available to help counsel Native students. The centre also hopes to educate store owners on how to treat and deal with Native customers.

A wholistic approach which incorporates culture, education, recreation and social action is intended to be the vehicle to achieving their goals. Their prime objectives are to host an annual powwow around Christmas time and to promote the friendship centre.

The centre staff also plan to start up a day care centre in a house adjacent to the present structure. At this moment, he adds, plans are still in the "talking stages" but the name "Kokum's House" has already bee chosen for when that time does come.

Input from the public is needed says the director. One thing particularly needed is volunteers, especially considering the extended hours of operation, plus weekend activities which are always times when people need to look for something to do or need a place to seek counsel.

In Alberta, there are 17 centres. Two are not funded by the Secretary of State one of which is the White Buffalo.